Frozen spinach is just as healthy as the fresh kind. See how to freeze spinach properly and keep it for a long time.
Freezing Spinach
Adding spinach to your smoothies is an easy way to make them healthier. They’re packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that fight disease.
Most smoothies use fresh spinach. But if you want to make a smoothie colder and thicker, you can also use frozen spinach.
It’s just as healthy as fresh spinach. The cold temperature of the freezer will keep the nutrients intact.
Plus, freezing spinach is an easy way to keep it for longer. It can last 10 to 12 months in the freezer but only 10 days in the refrigerator.
The same method can be used for freezing both regular and baby spinach.
RELATED: 12 Benefits of Eating Spinach
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Put the spinach in a large bowl. Fill it with cold water and let soak, swishing the leaves around to remove any dirt.
Step 2: Transfer the spinach on to clean towel. Pat dry to remove excess moisture.
Step 3: Place the spinach in a freezer-safe silicone bag. Squeeze out the air and close the seal.
Step 4: Store the bag in the freezer.
Photo Credit: amazon.com
Expert Tips
Always wash spinach.
Washing spinach will remove dirt and debris. It’s important to do this, even if you’re using pre-washed boxed baby spinach.
It’s best to wash spinach just before you use it. Avoid storing wet spinach in the fridge.
Dry before freezing.
Never store soaking wet spinach in the freezer. Otherwise, the leaves will clump together.
Be sure to pat the spinach dry before freezing.
Push out extra air.
To ensure a proper seal, remove the excess air from the freezer bag before closing it. It’s an easy way to limit freezer burn.
Questions You May Have
Always wash spinach before freezing, even if it’s pre-washed. This will ensure the spinach is free of dirt and debris. After washing the spinach, pat it dry so they don’t clump together in the freezer.
The process of freezing spinach stops the nutrients from breaking down. This means frozen spinach is just as healthy as fresh spinach.
Spinach will last 10 to 12 months in the freezer. However, it will have the best flavor, color, and texture if eaten sooner.
When using frozen spinach in smoothies, you can add it directly to the blender.
Related
- How to Freeze Kale
- How to Freeze Avocado
- How to Freeze Strawberries
- How to Freeze Raspberries
- How to Freeze Mango
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How to Freeze Spinach
INGREDIENTS
- Spinach
INSTRUCTIONS
- Soak the spinach in water.Put the spinach in a large bowl. Fill it with cold water and let soak for 10 to 20 seconds, swishing the leaves around to remove any dirt.
- Dry the spinach.Transfer the spinach on to clean towel. Pat dry to remove excess moisture.
- Put the spinach in a freezer-safe bag.Place the spinach in a freezer-safe silicone bag. Squeeze out the air and close the seal.
- Put the spinach in the freezer for 1-2 hours.Store the bag in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours, or until the spinach leaves are fully frozen.
NOTES
- The same method can be used for regular and baby spinach.
- Always wash spinach before freezing it, even if you’re using pre-washed boxed baby spinach. It will remove dirt and debris.
- Wait to wash spinach just before you use it. Avoid storing wet spinach in the fridge, which will make it spoil faster.
- To avoid clumps, pat the spinach dry before freezing.
- Remove the excess air from the freezer bag before closing it. This will limit freezer burn.